RV and Motorhome Transport in the US Step-by-Step Guide

The RV lifestyle grows every year in the United States, especially among retirees looking to travel the country without the ties of a fixed home, and families discovering that a motorhome is a more economical way to travel together. But when the time comes to move that motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel from one state to anotherwhether because you bought it second-hand far from home, you're changing your home base, or you simply don't want to drive it thousands of miles yourselfa question arises: how does RV transport actually work?

Despite the fact that there is a dedicated service for this type of shipping, there is very little educational content explaining the differences between RV types, how costs are calculated, or what needs to be prepared before the vehicle leaves your property. In this guide, we cover all of that, step by step, specifically for the community that livesor dreams of livinglife on wheels.

Types of RVs and How Each is Transported

Not all RVs are moved the same way. The transport method depends directly on whether the vehicle has its own engine or needs to be towed.

Motorhome (Class A, B, and C)

A motorhome has an engine and can be driven on its own, which opens up two transport possibilities:

• Driveaway (driven by a professional driver): a certified driver drives the motorhome directly from the origin point to the destination. It is the most economical option for long distances, but it implies mileage wear and tear and your own fuel consumption.
• Flatbed transport: for motorhomes that are not mechanically operational, or when the owner prefers not to accumulate miles or driving risks, it is transported on a specialized flatbed, similar to how oversized vehicles are transported.

Travel Trailer

A travel trailer does not have its own engine; it connects via a standard hitch to the back of a truck or SUV. The most common transport method is for the carrier to hitch it to their own towing vehicle and pull it directly to the destination, similar to a long distance towing service.

Fifth Wheel

The fifth wheel is the most specialized of the three, as it connects via a "fifth wheel" hitch located over the rear axle of a pickup truck bed, not on the bumper. This requires the carrier to have a truck specifically equipped with that type of hitch, which reduces the number of available providers and can influence the final cost.

Cost per Foot: How the Price is Calculated

Unlike cars, where the price is mainly calculated by weight and distance, the cost of transporting a fifth wheel and other RVs is largely calculated by the total length of the vehicle, measured in feet. As a general reference:

These ranges are estimates and vary depending on the season, the availability of specialized carriers, and whether your RV requires additional width or height permits. If you want to understand the general logic behind how vehicle transport prices are calculated in the US, you can also review our breakdown of auto shipping costs, which explains the base factorsdistance, season, type of servicethat also influence the price of an RV.

Preparing the Interior: Securing Furniture and Emptying Tanks

This is, without exaggeration, the part that causes the most problems when not done correctly. An RV doesn't just transport a vehicle; it also transports everything inside: furniture, appliances, cabinets, and water and gas systems.

Tie Down and Secure the Interior

• Secure cabinet doors and refrigerator: use heavy-duty tape or the travel locks that many models come with to prevent them from opening with the movement of the road.
• Remove or secure loose objects: plates, glasses, decorations, and any items that could fall must be stored in drawers or wrapped.
• Lower antennas and retract slide-outs: all extensions must be fully retracted and secured before the vehicle moves.
• Verify that windows and skylights are closed and locked.

Empty Water and Gas Tanks

• Fresh water tank: it is recommended to empty it or leave it at a minimum level, since the weight of the water affects load distribution and can cause excess weight on the axles.
• Black and gray water tanks: must be completely emptied before transport, both for weight and hygiene reasons.
• Propane tank: most carriers require the propane valve to be completely closed, and some ask that the tank have the lowest possible level for safety reasons, similar to what is recommended with fuel in motorcycle transport or any vehicle with exposed fuel systems.

For a more general preparation checklistdocuments, photos, battery levelmake sure to follow proper preparation before transport, which covers the same basic principles that apply to any vehicle, including an RV.

Height and Width Permits by State

One of the lesser-known aspects of RV transport is that, depending on the size of your unit, special permits may be needed to drive legally through certain states.

• Standard width: most states allow up to 8.5 feet in width without a special permit. Many fifth wheels and large travel trailers approach or exceed this limit.
• Height: height limits vary by state, generally between 13.5 and 14 feet. High-end Class A motorhomes can approach this limit, especially with additional roof equipment (air conditioning, satellite antennas).
• Oversize load permits: if your RV exceeds the standard limits, the carrier must process specific permits in each state the route will pass through, which can add time and cost to the shipment.
• Restricted routes: some states prohibit oversized vehicles from driving during certain hours (at night, weekends, or holidays), which can extend the total trip time.

It is important to talk to your carrier about the exact dimensions of your unitnot just length, but total width and heightso they can plan the route and permits correctly from the start. This is especially relevant if your RV will cross multiple states or zones with different regulations; you can check state coverage in our locations page to confirm if we operate in your origin and destination.

Driver vs. Shipping: Which is Better for You?

When it comes to motorhomes, there is an additional decision that does not apply to other types of RVs: do you hire a driver to drive it (driveaway) or ship it on a flatbed (shipping)?

Choose driveaway if:

• Your motorhome works perfectly and you want to save on the total cost.
• You don't mind the vehicle accumulating additional miles.
• The distance is relatively short or medium.

Choose flatbed shipping if:

• The motorhome has mechanical problems or is not safe to drive long distances.
• You prefer the vehicle to arrive with zero additional miles, which is important if you plan to sell it soon.
• You are transporting it to remote or hard-to-reach areas, where an independent driver might have logistical difficulties.

If your RV is heading to a rural or hard-to-reach area, we also recommend understanding the challenges of shipping vehicles to remote areas, where we explain the specific logistical challenges of these types of routes and how carriers solve them.

Common Cases

• Retirees with an RV lifestyle: more and more retired families are adopting the rolling life, moving between states according to the season. If you bought your RV in one state and need to take it to your starting point before beginning your route, professional transport saves you days of driving and wear and tear.
• Buying a used RV remotely: buying a second-hand fifth wheel or travel trailer in another state is increasingly common. In these cases, coordinating the pickup well with the sellerincluding verifying that the tanks are empty and the interior is securedavoids costly surprises.
• RV sellers offering home delivery: if you sell your RV to a buyer in another state, offering transport as part of the deal can make the sale considerably easier, especially for buyers who don't want to or can't drive long distances to pick it up.

Final Tips

• Photograph the complete interior and exterior before pickup, including the condition of the slide-outs and the roof.
• Confirm in writing who is responsible for emptying the tanks: in some cases it is the owner's responsibility, in others the carrier checks it as part of the pre-inspection.
• Ask about specific RV insurance: not all vehicle transport policies cover the interior contents of a motorhome in the same way.
• Plan ahead in high season: the demand for RV transport increases considerably in spring and fall, when more families move between climates.

Moving your motorhome doesn't have to be a headache if you understand the process well from the beginning. If you have a motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel that you need to transport, you can contact us to receive a personalized quote based on the size of your unit and the specific route.